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CDC: New Guidelines For Prescribing Opiate Drugs For Chronic Pain

CDC Opiate, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just published new opiate drug prescription guidelines for doctors and their patients.

CDC Opiate Drugs Guideline

Our nation is in the midst of a prescription drug addiction epidemic. New measures taken by the CDC will help prevent drug addiction. Also prescription drug overdoses, and death. Doctors have been given new guidelines when prescribing pain killers to patients.

Until Now

when a patient complained of pain, the first thing many doctors would do was simply write a prescription for a painkiller. However, with the new guidelines. The first step is to start with a pain management care plan, which may include non-narcotic pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy and various other exercises, depending on the patient’s condition.

If the doctor then determines that a prescription opiate is necessary, the CDC suggests the doctor first prescribe the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time. The exceptions to the rules being cancer patients and end-of-life care management.

Additional efforts have also been made by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for opioid prescription drugs like fentanyl and oxycodone. The painkillers will now be required to have a “black box” warning label on them about the dangers associated with using these drugs. The requirement is meant to help educate doctors and as well as consumers about the dangers of opiates.

CDC Drug Reports

The CDC reports that a whopping 1.9 million people were abusing and dependent on prescription opiates in 2013, according to USA Today. In 2014, 18,893 Americans died as a direct result of opioid prescription drug overdoses, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). That’s double the estimated 9,857 opioid deaths 10 years earlier, in 2004.

America’s Drug Problem

At the rate America is going, the number of deaths from drug overdoses will increase. Unless action to help prevent prescription drug abuse becomes a top priority. In addition to prevention methods like the new CDC opioid guidelines. We need to also continue efforts in educating prescribers, patients. And communities about the dangers of prescription drug addiction. But we can’t stop there; we need to also treat those that are already addicted and dependent on prescription drugs.

Opiate Drugs Addiction Help

Addiction is a disease that affects the mind as well as the body. And This is why so many people find it difficult to stop and stay stopped on their own without proper treatment and support. We have helped thousands upon thousands recover long-term from prescription drug dependency. Many of them also had suffered from chronic pain issues.

In conclusion, through an addiction treatment program, you or your loved one will be able to learn new techniques. Methods in managing chronic pain without having to live your life under the umbrella of pain killers. Call for more information on how you can get and stay drug-free long term. 1-800-861-1768.